REBIMINE AND VOLTMINE

In 2007 Phlox released their second album ''Rebimine + Voltimine'' ("Tearing and folding") with only one line-up change.In the place of drummer Marko Pajula came Madis Zilmer, member of the Fusion act BF.The album was recorded at the MKDK Studios between November 06' and February 07', while three out of the nine tracks were captured live from two performances of the group in the second half of 2006.The track ''Habe'' was included also in the Wayside Music compilation ''Wayside Sampler 3''.

The new album was as powerful and energetic as ''Piima'' with one basic difference: It was well-constructed and fairly oriented Prog/Fusion with structured ideas instead of the directionless, improvised style of the previous one, which was full of Free Jazz moments.Not that this one lacks these moments, but the basic tunes seem to be really worked with tons of interesting instrumental battles and more focused solos.There is a certain KING CRIMSON-vibe in plenty of these pieces, flirting with Fusion-oriented Heavy Prog, as well as links to schizophenic Jazz-tinged Kraut Fusion with frenetic instrumental passages and grooves.Interesting guitar textures, nice electric piano acrobatics and powerful sax intervetions are all over the place, while partially Phlox remind of PANZERPAPPA and their more dramatic Avant-Prog lines with very deep rhythmic parts and a bombastic sound overall.Some Canterbury-styled synth workouts and virtuosic piano solos are also in the menu, while the abstract and pointless passages are quite limited.The performances are very dense and tight, while there are also a few Lounge-type parts with smoother plays and more delicate musicianship to soften things when needed.

Eventually a really good work by Phlox, summarizing their great potential.Fiery, instrumental Prog/Fusion with some impressive executions, showing the group heading into the right direction.Recommended.